2 min read February 2023 — The city of Fairburn has leveraged its location near Atlanta to capitalize on many of the area’s cultural, social and economic benefits. Invest: spoke with Mayor Mario Avery about milestones from 2022, initiatives to attract families and businesses to Fairburn and the Park Master Plan initiative.
What were some of the biggest milestones for the city of Fairburn in 2022?
One of the biggest milestones for us was the American Rescue Plan Act. The Fairburn City Council decided to take the $6.2 million that was awarded in American Rescue money and use it as replenishment funds. We also took part of that money and hired an economic development consultant. We are currently talking about issuing facades for businesses Downtown because we believe image is everything. We want the face of our Downtown businesses to look consistent. I noticed that in some other cities, there is a visually consistent look for the Downtown area. As well as modifying the facades, we are talking about having murals installed in the Downtown area. One of the things we have learned is that every avenue we use to create a marketing strategy makes our Downtown area more attractive, and also creates events that will lure people Downtown. Another achievement we have made is in updating current zoning ordinances. We have so far made amendments to the Highway 74 overlay.
What were the biggest lessons that you’ve learned from these milestones and how are they affecting your priorities for 2023?
The biggest lesson we’ve learned is the importance of research and development funding. We have launched business owner incentives through the state of Georgia initiative. This helps to encourage the competitiveness and base for support of emerging businesses in the Downtown area. Through research and development funding, we offer incentives that allow businesses to stabilize within the first few years. The overhead normally incurred during the first two years is the difference between success and failure. The tax credits for any small business will make all the difference in the world. The part that I’m really happy about is the job tax credit. If a company qualifies as a small business and brings in at least 50 jobs that pay at least 10% higher than minimum wage, we give them a tax credit. We are also using a small business tax credit for those who qualify.
What industries are the driving force for the city and how are you as mayor making sure that they get the resources they need to continue to grow?
Luckily, transportation is one of the biggest industries from a commercial perspective. Fairburn has the largest cargo transportation through CSX, which runs through our downtown area. Various companies like Google and major cargo and supply companies are moving into our cities, and we have to make sure that components can quickly transit through.
One of the things we’re excited about is our Park Master Plan, which was implemented due to the convergence of Fortune 500 companies to the town, including Google, Smucker’s, Clorox and CSX. We understand that these companies are looking to provide added value to employees, particularly in lifestyle opportunities. Through the Park Master Plan, we are going to build parks all over the city. During my last administration we spent $16 million on the project, including on the flagship park. When it’s all said and done, Fortune 500 companies need to be able to offer their employees and executives the opportunity for a better lifestyle. This encompasses everything from restaurants, education systems for their children, entertainment venues and social opportunities. We believe the Park Master Plan will make a mark in this city that will be talked about for decades.
How have your goals of diversifying the economy progressed?
I want diversity on our boards, in planning and zoning, and in other critical agencies. I also want it in our city. The Hispanic and Asian communities are still largely underrepresented in critical community forums. The good news is that some progress is starting to be made. This year during the Fairburn Festival, the Hispanic Heritage Parade was an hour and a half long. Now we want to reach out to all the communities. If I have a diverse community in housing, in business and on our boards, we get the perspective of what’s important in every arena.
One thing I think will help towards goals of diversification is the Student Institute, which I am resurrecting from the previous administration. Students obtain academic credit for attending the Student Institute, where we bring in elected officials and other people of influence to talk to students. We’ve had students recruited by these universities from this initiative.
What are your priorities for the city of Fairburn for the next two to three years?
As well as the Parks Master Plan, we are working on a multipurpose center in Flagship Park for recreation, business events and concerts. I am excited about the Downtown Development Authority’s plans to bring in a major restaurant, which is in the early stages now. This is another avenue to increase traffic. One thing we are doing is looking at ways that we could enhance Downtown to make it more walkable and user-friendly. We created a site plan of walkable areas in Downtown off the main street that will connect the three main segments of the city. We are holding events to draw people in as we renovate the facades, including a concert planned for Fall of 2023. We are also proud of our developments on Highway 74.
Housing is a major issue. Notably, we are working with the state of Georgia to look at incentives that will allow us to offer first-time homebuyers the right to come to Fairburn but retain their residence. We have some of the nicest neighborhoods in the metro area, so we are looking at programs through the state that will allow mortgage companies and banks to offer first-time homeowners incentives so they can afford homes.
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